Solar photovoltaic-thermal collector assembly and method of use

ABSTRACT

A solar collector assembly includes a photovoltaic panel having first and second sides, a frame, and a first gas-filled chamber on the first side of the photovoltaic panel. The first gas-filled chamber is at least partially defined by a portion of the frame and by a portion of the first side of the photovoltaic panel. A gas functions as a heat exchange fluid and collects heat from solar energy and/or heat generated by the photovoltaic panel. The photovoltaic panel accumulates and converts solar energy to electrical energy. The solar collector assembly may include a second gas-filled chamber provided on the second side of the photovoltaic panel. The second gas-filled chamber is at least partially defined by a portion of the frame and by a portion of the second side of the photovoltaic panel. Solar collector systems and methods of generating electrical energy and/or thermal energy are also described.

RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.14/147,129, filed Jan. 3, 2014, which claims the priority benefit ofU.S. Provisional Application No. 61/789,541, filed Mar. 15, 2013, theentire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference, exceptthat in the event of any inconsistent disclosure or definition from thepresent specification, the disclosure or definition herein shall bedeemed to prevail.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Technical Field

The present teachings relate generally to solar energy collectionassemblies and, more particularly, to hybrid photovoltaic-thermalcollection assemblies.

2. Description of Related Art

Solar hybrid energy collectors, also known as photovoltaic-thermal (PVT)collectors, represent a new and growing field of energy generation. Thecombination of photovoltaic (PV) and thermal collection in a single unitprovides a more efficient collection system than a collector thatcaptures only electrical or only thermal energy. For example,conventional solar hybrid PVT devices may have efficiencies as much asthree to four times greater than a typical PV-only system.

In addition, the thermal energy collected by a PVT device—energy thatwould otherwise have been wasted in a PV-only system—may be usedconstructively in applications including but not limited towater-heating, space-heating, low-temperature generation of electricity,and/or the like. Moreover, the removal of heat from a PVT device may beadvantageous to its operational efficiency since cooler PV cells operateoptimally at temperatures of less than or equal to about 25° C. Bycontrast, in a PV-only system, the build-up of thermal energy fromoverheated panels reduces efficiency and electrical output of thesystem.

Notwithstanding the above-described benefits of PVT devices,conventional solar hybrid energy systems remain complex, expensive tomanufacture, prone to mechanical failure, and typically require trainedand specialized personnel for their installation. One reason is that theuse of liquids (e.g., water, halocarbon coolants, etc.) to cover PVcells and act as heat transfer agents in conventional PVT devicescreates challenges for both installation and proper device functioning.By way of example, water is subject to freezing in colder climates, andhalocarbon coolants (e.g., fluorinated hydrocarbons such as those soldunder the trade name FREON by E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company) mayrequire special handling and recycling facilities.

An example of a hybrid system is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,700,013(Soule). In this example, a PV collector absorbs short wavelengths and athermal collector, which is placed below the PV system, absorbs longwavelengths associated with heat energy.

Another example of a hybrid system is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No.4,607,132 (Jarnagin) in which PV cells are placed above a chambercontaining a heat exchange fluid such as water or Freon.

Another example of a hybrid system is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No.6,675,580 (Ansley, et al.), which discloses a flexible assembly of PVcells that can be attached to a solar collector below the PV cells.

Another example of a hybrid system is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No.6,630,622 (Konold). The disclosed device uses a complex system of heattransfer tubes and Fresnel lenses in order to concentrate solar power.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The scope of the present invention is defined solely by the appendedclaims, and is not affected to any degree by the statements within thissummary.

In one example, a solar collector assembly in accordance with thepresent teachings includes a photovoltaic panel having a first side anda second side; a frame configured for enclosing at least a portion ofthe photovoltaic panel along a periphery thereof; and a first gas-filledchamber provided on the first side of the photovoltaic panel. The firstgas-filled chamber may be at least partially defined by at least aportion of the frame and by at least a portion of the first side of thephotovoltaic panel. A gas may be configured to function as a heatexchange fluid and collect heat from solar energy and/or heat generatedby the photovoltaic panel. The photovoltaic panel can accumulate andconvert solar energy to electrical energy.

In one example, a solar collector assembly according to the teachings ofthe present invention further includes a second gas-filled chamberprovided on the second side of the photovoltaic panel, wherein thesecond gas-filled chamber may be at least partially defined by at leasta portion of the frame and by at least a portion of the second side ofthe photovoltaic panel.

In one example according to the teachings of the present invention, asolar collector assembly in accordance with the present teachingsfurther includes a first sealing element configured for coupling withthe frame. The first gas-filled chamber may be further defined by atleast a portion of the first sealing element. The first sealing elementmay include a transparent panel.

In one example according to the teachings of the present invention, asolar collector assembly in accordance with the present teachingsfurther includes a second sealing element configured for coupling withthe frame, wherein the second gas-filled chamber may be further definedby at least a portion of the second sealing element. The second sealingelement may include an insulating panel.

In one example according to the teachings of the present invention, asolar collector assembly in accordance with the present teachings mayinclude a photovoltaic panel having a first side and a second side, aframe configured for enclosing at least a portion of the photovoltaicpanel along a periphery thereof, and a first gas-filled chamber providedon the first side of the photovoltaic panel, a first sealing elementconfigured for coupling with the frame, the first gas-filled chamberbeing further defined by at least a portion of the first sealing elementand by at least a portion of the first side of the photovoltaic panel; asecond sealing element configured for coupling with the frame. The solarcollector assembly may further include a second gas-filled chamberprovided on the second side of the photovoltaic panel, the secondgas-filled chamber being at least partially defined by at least aportion of the frame, by at least a portion of the second side of thephotovoltaic panel, and by at least a portion of the second sealingelement. A gas may be configured to function as a heat exchange fluidand accumulate and collect heat from solar energy and/or heat generatedby the photovoltaic panel. The photovoltaic panel can accumulate andconvert solar energy to electrical energy.

In one example according to the teachings of the present invention, thefirst sealing element may be a transparent panel, and wherein the secondsealing element may be an insulating panel.

In one example according to the teachings of the present invention, theframe may include an upper frame part and a lower frame part. The upperframe part includes the portion of the frame that at least partiallydefines the first gas-filled chamber, and the lower frame part includesthe portion of the frame that at least partially defines the secondgas-filled chamber.

In one example according to the teachings of the present invention, thetransparent panel and the insulating panel may be positioned on oppositesides of the photovoltaic panel and spaced apart, respectively, from thefirst side and the second side. The photovoltaic panel can be sealedbetween the first gas-filled chamber and the second gas-filled chamber.

In one example according to the teachings of the present invention, asolar collector assembly in accordance with the present teachings mayinclude one or a plurality of ambient gas conduits configured forcarrying ambient temperature gas into the first gas-filled chamberand/or the second gas-filled chamber and, in some examples, one or aplurality of heated gas conduits configured for carrying heated gas outof the respective gas-filled chamber in which the heated gas wasgenerated. Transportation of the ambient gas and/or the heated gas maybe is facilitated by one or a plurality of fans.

In one example according to the teachings of the present invention, asolar collector system in accordance with the present teachings mayinclude a plurality of interconnected solar collector assemblies, and aninverter electronically coupled with the plurality of interconnectedsolar collector assemblies and configured to receive electrical energytherefrom. Each of the plurality of interconnected solar collectorassemblies may include a photovoltaic panel having a first side and asecond side, a frame configured for enclosing at least a portion of thephotovoltaic panel along a periphery thereof, and a first gas-filledchamber provided on the first side of the photovoltaic panel. The firstgas-filled chamber may be at least partially defined by at least aportion of the frame and by at least a portion of the first side of thephotovoltaic panel, and a gas may be configured to function as a heatexchange fluid and collect heat from solar energy and/or heat generatedby the photovoltaic panel.

In one example according to the teachings of the present invention, eachof the plurality of interconnected solar collector assemblies mayfurther include a first sealing element configured for coupling with theframe, the first gas-filled chamber being further defined by at least aportion of the first sealing element, a second sealing elementconfigured for coupling with the frame, and a second gas-filled chambermay be provided on the second side of the photovoltaic panel, the secondgas-filled chamber being at least partially defined by at least aportion of the frame, by at least a portion of the second side of thephotovoltaic panel, and by at least a portion of the second sealingelement.

In one example according to the teachings of the present invention, thesolar collector assemblies are interconnected to one another at leastvia gas conduits.

In one example according to the teachings of the present invention, amethod of generating electrical energy and/or thermal energy may includeexposing a solar collector assembly to solar energy, the solar collectorassembly including a photovoltaic panel having a first side and a secondside, a frame configured for enclosing at least a portion of thephotovoltaic panel along a periphery thereof, and a first gas-filledchamber provided on the first side of the photovoltaic panel. The firstgas-filled chamber may be at least partially defined by at least aportion of the frame and by at least a portion of the first side of thephotovoltaic panel. A gas may be configured to function as a heatexchange fluid and collect heat from the solar energy and/or heatgenerated by the photovoltaic panel.

In one example according to the teachings of the present invention, thesolar collector assembly may further include a first sealing elementconfigured for coupling with the frame, wherein the first gas-filledchamber is further defined by at least a portion of the first sealingelement, a second sealing element configured for coupling with theframe, and a second gas-filled chamber provided on the second side ofthe photovoltaic panel. The second gas-filled chamber may be at leastpartially defined by at least a portion of the frame, by at least aportion of the second side of the photovoltaic panel, and by at least aportion of the second sealing element.

In one example according to the teachings of the present invention, amethod of generating electrical energy and/or thermal energy inaccordance with the present teachings includes exposing a solarcollector assembly of a type described above to solar energy. The methodcan further include providing electrical energy generated by thephotovoltaic panel to an inverter and/or a battery.

In one example according to the teachings of the present invention, themethod further includes conveying thermal energy generated in the firstgas-filled chamber and/or in the second gas-filled chamber to adestination selected from the group consisting of a heat exchanger, aheat storage device, an interior space (e.g., a dwelling, a livingspace, a storage facility, a vehicle interior, etc.), a low temperatureelectrical energy generation device, and combinations thereof.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will becomeapparent upon reading the following description in conjunction with thedrawing figures, in which:

FIG. 1 shows a top perspective view of one example of a fully assembledsolar hybrid PVT collector in accordance with the present teachings.

FIG. 2 shows an exploded top perspective view of one example of anunassembled lower enclosing frame for use with the representative solarhybrid PVT collector of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 shows an exploded top perspective view of the unassembled lowerenclosing frame of FIG. 2 together with a PV panel and abottom-insulating panel.

FIG. 4 shows a top perspective view of the lower enclosing frame, the PVpanel, and the bottom-insulating panel of FIG. 3 assembled for use withthe representative solar hybrid PVT collector of FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 shows a bottom perspective view of the assembled lower enclosingframe, PV panel, and bottom-insulating panel of FIG. 4.

FIG. 6 shows an exploded top perspective view of one example ofunassembled sections of upper and lower enclosing frames for use withthe representative solar hybrid PVT collector of FIG. 1.

FIG. 7 shows an exploded top perspective view of the representativesolar hybrid PVT collector of FIG. 1.

FIG. 8 shows a top perspective view of the assembled representativesolar hybrid collector of FIG. 7 in which the end sections and sidesections of the upper and lower frame parts have been joined.

FIG. 9 shows a representative header pipe for use with a representativesolar hybrid collector in accordance with the present teachings.

FIG. 9a shows a partial cut-away view of a representative configurationfor connecting header pipes to end sections of a solar hybrid PVTcollector in accordance with the present teachings.

FIG. 10 shows one example of a representative configuration forconnecting a solar hybrid PVT collector in accordance with the presentteachings to a fan, a heat exchanger, and a controller/monitor system.

FIG. 10a shows one example of a representative configuration forconnecting a solar hybrid PVT collector in accordance with the presentteachings to dual fans, dual heat exchangers, and controller/monitorsystems.

FIG. 11 shows one example of a representative configuration for mountinga single solar hybrid collector in accordance with the present teachingsto a rooftop.

FIG. 12 shows one example of a representative configuration for mountingan array of solar hybrid collectors in accordance with the presentteachings to a rooftop.

FIG. 13 shows one example of a representative rooftop-mounted solarhybrid collector including only a bottom or single gas-filled chamber inaccordance with the present teachings.

FIG. 14 shows an exploded view of a representative configuration for atop gas-filled chamber only over a photovoltaic panel mounted to arooftop.

FIG. 14a shows a partial cutaway view of the solar hybrid collector ofexample of FIG. 14

FIG. 14b shows one example of a representative configuration for arooftop-mounted array of solar hybrid collectors having a top gas-filledchamber only in accordance with the present teachings.

FIG. 15 shows a cut-away view of a representative configuration for asolar hybrid collector with an inner middle frame segment between twoadjacent solar hybrid collectors in accordance with the presentteachings.

FIG. 15a shows a cross sectional view of a detail of an inner middleframe segment of FIG. 15.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE

Solar hybrid photovoltaic-thermal (PVT) collectors configured togenerate electrical energy from solar energy with associated collectionof thermal energy, and to use gas as a heat exchange fluid fortransportation of the thermal energy, have been discovered and aredescribed herein. The solar hybrid PVT collectors may be configured toincorporate standard, commercially available photovoltaic (PV) panels.

In one example, a solar collector assembly in accordance with thepresent teachings includes (a) a photovoltaic panel having a first sideand a second side; (b) a frame configured for enclosing at least aportion of the photovoltaic panel along a periphery thereof; and (c) afirst gas-filled chamber provided on the first side of the photovoltaicpanel. The first gas-filled chamber is at least partially defined by atleast a portion of the frame and by at least a portion of the first sideof the photovoltaic panel. Gases such as air (comprised of mostlynitrogen and oxygen), helium, argon, or various mixtures of these orother gasses may be configured as a heat exchange fluid and to collectheat from solar energy and/or heat generated by the photovoltaic panel.

Representative embodiments in accordance with the present teachings willnow be described in reference to the appended drawings. It is to beunderstood that elements and features of the various representativeembodiments described below may be combined in different ways to producenew embodiments that likewise fall within the scope of the presentinvention. Furthermore, designations such as “top”/“bottom,”“upper”/“lower,” and the like used herein to describe various elements(e.g., the first gas-filled chamber, second gas-filled chamber, firstside of PV panel, second side of PV panel, etc.) are used solely forpurposes of illustration and are not intended in any absolute orlimiting physical sense (e.g., with respect to the cardinal directions).The drawings and the description below have been provided solely by wayof illustration, and are not intended to limit the scope of the appendedclaims or their equivalents.

As used herein, the term “coupled” and various forms thereof areintended broadly to encompass both direct and indirect coupling. Thus, afirst part is said to be coupled to a second part when the two parts aredirectly coupled (e.g. by direct contact or direct functionalengagement), as well as when the first part is functionally engaged withan intermediate part which is in turn functionally engaged eitherdirectly or via one or more additional intermediate parts with thesecond part. Also, two parts are said to be coupled when they arefunctionally engaged (directly or indirectly) at some times and notfunctionally engaged at other times.

Turning now to the drawings, FIG. 1 shows a fully assembled solar hybridcollector 2 in accordance with the present teachings. As best shown byFIG. 7, the solar hybrid collector 2 includes an enclosing frame 4 withan upper frame part 6 and a lower frame part 8. The upper frame part 6and the lower frame part 8 together retain a top glazing 10, a PV panel12, and a bottom-insulating panel 18.

As shown by FIG. 7, the upper frame part 6 and the lower frame part 8,together with the glazing 10, the PV panel 12, and insulating panel 18,form a top gas-filled chamber 24 and a bottom gas-filled chamber 26. Asshown in FIG. 3, the lower frame part 8 uses the insulating panel 18 toseal the bottom chamber 26. As shown in FIG. 7, the upper frame part 6uses the glazing 10 (e.g., a glass panel) to seal the top chamber 24 andto provide transparency to the fitted PV panel 12 contained within, thePV panel having a top side 14 and a bottom side 16. As shown in FIG. 3,the lower gas-filled chamber 26 is formed between the spaced apart PVpanel 12 and the bottom-insulating panel 18. As shown in FIG. 7, theupper gas-filled chamber 24 is formed between the spaced apart glazing10 and the PV panel 12.

As shown by FIGS. 1, 6, 8, 9 a, 10-12, the upper frame part 6 and lowerframe part 8 can adjoin and fasten together securely in a stackedarrangement. The upper frame part 6 and lower frame part 8 may beidentical or mirror images of one another and may snap together orinvolve other attachment mechanisms. In one example in accordance withthe present invention, sandwiching a PV panel (e.g., PV panel 12)between two nearly identical enclosures (e.g., top chamber 24 and bottomchamber 26) provides a straightforward, cost-effective design suitablefor usage by both commercial and DIY installers.

As FIGS. 2-5 and 7 show, the upper frame part 6 has end sections 28 andside sections 30 that may be joined to form a completed frame via screws33 or other suitable means. The lower frame part 8 has end sections 32and side sections 34 that may be similarly joined. The upper frame part6 and the lower frame part 8 may be joined to one another by a snap fitor other mechanical mechanism including but not limited to screw,brackets, nails, adhesives, and the like, and/or combinations thereof.As shown in FIG. 7, the top gas-filled chamber 24 and bottom gas-filledchamber 26 formed by the enclosing upper frame part 6 and lower framepart 8 may be identical or substantially identical to each other in sizeand/or form. In one example, the bottom side 16 of the PV panel 12 maybe covered and, in another example, the top side 14 of the PV panel 12may be covered. As shown in FIG. 7, the top side 14 of the PV panel 12is covered with the glazing 10 to define the upper chamber 24.

FIG. 2 shows the lower enclosing frame part 8 of the PVT collector 2 inan unassembled state without the PV panel 12 or the bottom-insulatingpanel 18. FIG. 3 shows a similar view of the lower enclosing frame part8 in the unassembled state but including the PV panel 12 andbottom-insulating panel 18. The lower frame part 8 includes abottom-insulating panel 18 to seal the bottom enclosure 26.

FIG. 4 shows a top view of the assembled lower enclosing frame part 8including the PV panel 12 and the bottom-insulating panel 18 (notshown). The lower frame part 8 may be configured to fit around and holdthe bottom side 16 of the photovoltaic panel 12 in a position spacedfrom the bottom-insulating panel 18, and to provide a sealable fitaround the bottom-insulating panel 18 enclosing the second thermalchamber 26. FIG. 5 shows a bottom view of the assembled lower enclosingframe part 8 including the PV panel 12 and the bottom-insulating panel18 having a bottom surface 22.

In the example shown in FIG. 3, the lower frame part 8 is configured tohold about half of the thickness or depth of the PV panel 12. As furthershown in FIG. 3, each of the lower frame parts 8 may have a ledge 36 sothat, when assembled, the PV panel 12 may rest on the ledge 36 in thelower frame parts 8. This creates a space for the bottom gas chamber 26between a bottom side 16 of the PV panel 12 and a top side 20 of thebottom-insulating panel 18. The lower frame part 8 may have a groove 40into which the bottom-insulating panel 18 may be fitted. With the lowerframe part 8 fully assembled on all sides of the bottom-insulating panel18, the bottom-insulating panel 18 is configured to be retained in thegrooves 40. Alternatively, the lower frame part 8 may be formed withouta groove 40 or a spacing ledge 36. The PV panel 12 and/orbottom-insulating panel 18 may then be sealed to the lower frame part 8with an adhesive, silicone, and/or other suitable material.

FIG. 6 shows the unassembled upper enclosing frame part 6 and lowerenclosing frame part 8 of the photovoltaic-thermal collector of FIG. 1without the top glazing 10, PV panel 12, or bottom-insulating panel 18.The upper frame part 6 is designed to fit and enclose the top side 14 ofthe PV panel 12, and to provide a secure and sealable fit for glass orother transparent glazing 10 spaced apart from the PV panel 12 andenclosing the first thermal chamber 24. As further shown in FIG. 6, eachof the upper frame parts 8 may have a ledge 38 so that, when assembled,the PV panel 12 may rest on the ledge 38 in the upper frame parts 6.Each of the upper frame parts 6 may have a groove 42 into which theglazing 10 may be fitted. With the upper frame part 6 fully assembled onall sides of the glazing 10, the glazing 10 is configured to be retainedin the groove 42. The upper frame parts 6 may be formed without a groove42 or a spacing ledge 38, so that the glazing 10 and/or the PV panel 12may be sealed to the upper frame part 6 with an adhesive, silicone,and/or other suitable material.

In one example as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the upper enclosing frame part6 and the lower enclosing frame part 8 are mirror images of one another.Alternatively, the upper enclosing frame part 6 and the lower enclosingframe part 8 may be integrally-formed with one another, such that theframe 4 may be constituted by four monolithic parts analogous inappearance to the configuration shown in FIG. 6 (e.g., two sidesections, each of which includes an upper frame part and a lower framepart, and two end sections, each of which likewise includes an upperframe part and a lower frame part).

In another example according to the teachings of the present invention,different combinations of integrally-formed side sections and endsections are contemplated. In addition to the upper enclosing frame part6 and the lower enclosing frame part 8 being integrally-formed with oneanother as described above, each of the two side sections and the twoend sections containing these integrally-formed upper enclosing framepart 6 and lower enclosing frame part 8 may themselves be integrallyformed as well, such that the entire frame 4 may be constituted by asingle monolithic part that includes an upper frame part and a lowerframe part along its perimeter.

In addition to the upper enclosing frame part 6 and the lower enclosingframe part 8 being integrally-formed with one another, one of the twoside sections and one of the two end sections containing theintegrally-formed upper enclosing frame part 6 and lower enclosing framepart 8 may also be integrally formed, such that the frame 4 may beconstituted by two monolithic parts, each of which includes an upperframe part and a lower frame part and each of which incorporates one endsection and one side section. In additional examples, still othercombinations are contemplated (e.g., a monolithic part that includes anintegrally-formed upper frame part and a lower frame part as well as anintegrally-formed combination of one side section and two end sections;a monolithic part that includes an integrally-formed upper frame partand a lower frame part as well as an integrally-formed combination ofone end section and two side sections; etc.).

As shown in FIG. 6, adding upper frame parts 6 brings the enclosingframe 4 to a full depth of the solar hybrid collector 2. FIG. 7 showsthe unassembled upper enclosing frame part 6 and lower enclosing framepart 8 including the top glazing 10, PV panel 12, and bottom-insulatingpanel 18. FIG. 8 shows the solar hybrid collector 2 with the assembledupper enclosing frame part 6 and lower enclosing frame part 8 includingthe top glazing 10, the PV panel 12, and with the bottom-insulatingpanel 18 enclosed. The upper frame part 6 and lower frame part 8 enclosethe full depth of the PV panel 12 along with the upper thermal gaschamber 24.

In one example in accordance with the teachings of the presentinvention, an upper frame part 6 or a lower frame part 8 may be used toprovide only one enclosed thermal chamber 24 or 26 instead of two. FIGS.13 and 13 a show examples of solar hybrid collectors in accordance withthe present teachings that contain only one thermal chamber, which isprovided, respectively, on either the bottom side 16 of PV panel 12 oron the top side 14 of the PV panel 12. As shown in FIG. 13, the top side14 of a pre-assembled PV panel 12 is already glazed andweather-protected, so using only a lower frame part 8 and leaving the PVpanel 12 exposed would be a feasible configuration as shown in FIGS. 4,5, and 13.

In an example shown in FIGS. 14 and 14 a, a top gas-filled chamber isshown assembled to enclose an existing PV panel 64 in order to retrofitsuch a PV panel for the additional collection of thermal energy. FIGS.14 and 14 a shows such a retrofitted solar hybrid collector assemblywith the assembled upper enclosing frame part 6 including the topglazing 10 enclosing and existing PV panel. The example of FIG. 14ashows that the existing PV panel 64 is merely enclosed by a topgas-filled chamber assembly and does not require removal from a rooftop.As shown in FIG. 14b , such a retrofit assembly may be installed over anarray of existing PV panels.

In an example in accordance with the teachings of the present invention,a gas is used as a heat exchange fluid. As stated above, gases such asair (comprised of mostly nitrogen and oxygen), helium, argon, or variousmixtures of these or other gasses may be configured as a heat exchangefluid and to collect heat from solar energy and/or heat generated by thephotovoltaic panel.

Air is extremely low-cost, and allows solar hybrid collectors inaccordance with the present teachings to work in an assortment ofclimates, including but not limited to cold-temperature climates. Heliumis about six times more efficient than air for thermal transfer. Heliumis also relatively inexpensive. Other gases mentioned may presentadditional advantages. Other fluids (e.g., water) may leak and/or changestate, thereby damaging and/or causing malfunction in a device. Twothermal gas chambers—top gas-filled chamber 24 and bottom gas-filledchamber 26—are shown in FIG. 8. In the example shown in FIG. 7, the topgas-filled chamber 24 is between the glazing 10 and the PV panel 12, andthe bottom gas-filled chamber 26 is between the PV panel 12 and thebottom-insulating panel 18.

In one example in accordance with the teachings of the presentinvention, the upper frame part 6 and lower frame part 8 are adjoined ina stacked arrangement as shown, for example in FIGS. 1, 6, 8, 9 a, 10,and 11, to facilitate thermal extraction by attached piping 56 to conveya heat exchange fluid. As shown in FIGS. 1-8, 9 a, 10-13, and 13 a,round punch out ports 44 may be provided as desired for gas orelectrical connections in each customized installation. Alternatively,connections and electrical couplings between ganged or interconnectedpanels may also be made using the punch out ports where two sectionsjoin together. Other ports or openings may be made and used (e.g., forelectrical connection or the like), including but not limited tosemi-circular ports provided in the upper frame part 6 and/or in thelower frame part 8.

In one example in accordance with the present teachings in which a gasis used as the heat exchange fluid, the upper gas chamber 24 and lowergas chamber 26 are separate from one another. Gas or fluid flowrequirements may be different on the top and bottom of the PV panel 12(e.g., for the upper gas chamber 24 and lower gas chambers 26). As shownin FIGS. 10 and 10 a, conduits or piping 56 may be used to carry ambienttemperature gas to one or more fans 46 and heated gas from a respectiveupper gas chamber 24 or lower gas chamber 26, either above or below thePV panel 12. The gas may be carried to an external heat exchanger 48and/or heat storage device, as shown in FIGS. 10 and 10 a, or a lowtemperature electrical energy generation device; or may be circulateddirectly into an interior space like a dwelling or storage facility 60,as shown in FIG. 11. Such a system may have a controller/monitor foradjusting and balancing a flow of gas within the system. Theconfiguration of the conduits may vary according to each installationsituation. In addition, the circulation of gas may be in an open orclosed loop system.

In the example shown in FIGS. 10 and 10 a, a gas at an ambienttemperature may be forced over and under the PV panel 12 through each ofthe upper gas chamber 24 and lower gas chamber 26 by the external fan 46or a blower and warmed. As further shown in FIGS. 10 and 10 a, piping 56may be attached to opposite ends of each of the thermal gas chambers 24and 26, both above and below the PV panel 12 via the punch-out ports 44per a desired set up arrangement. In the example of FIG. 10A, conduitsor piping 56, which may connect to the header pipes 54, may be used tocarry ambient temperature gas to one or more fans 46 and heated gas froma respective upper or lower gas chambers and includes double pipeventilation.

In FIGS. 1-8 and 9 a-14 b, punch-out ports 44 are shown on the sidesections 30 of the upper frame parts 6 and on the side sections 34 ofthe lower frame parts 8. However, in other examples, such ports may bepositioned at other locations (e.g., on a custom basis).

In one example in accordance with the teachings of the presentinvention, a variable or single-speed fan may be employed with athermostat to maintain optimal operating temperatures within theenclosures. The flow of gas may also be reversible in order to melt snowor frost that may seasonally accumulate on the exterior of solar hybridcollectors in accordance with the present teachings.

FIG. 9 shows an example of a header pipe 54 that may be used with asolar hybrid collector in accordance with the present teachings. Thelength, material, locations of ports, and general configuration of anypiping, including header pipes, may vary according to individualinstallations. Header pipes 54 within the enclosure may be used toensure equitable distribution of flow of the gas or heat exchange fluidwithin an individual solar hybrid collector 2 via openings 55, as shownin FIG. 9a , and in an array of adjoined solar hybrid collectors 2, asshown in FIG. 12. Gas may be configured to flow from the bottom gaschamber 26 to the top gas chamber 24 through piping 56 connected to atleast one set of the punch out ports 44 on the section ends 28 and 32 totake advantage of heat convection. Flow rates may be determined by thesize of the individual collector 2 or array 62 of collectors. In oneexample, for an array of 4 to 8 collectors of a typical size of 65inches×40 inches×2 inches, less than about 100 cfm (e.g., about thecapacity of a standard bathroom ventilation fan) may be used.

As FIG. 12 shows, an array of solar hybrid collectors may be mounted toa rooftop or other location. Such an array can be interconnected withone another and an AC/DC converter (e.g., an inverter) electronicallycoupled with the plurality of interconnected solar collector assembliesand configured to receive electrical energy therefrom.

In another example, a number of solar hybrid collectors may be arrangedin an array 62 of adjoined solar hybrid collectors similar to theexample shown in FIG. 12. In such an array, an upper frame part and alower frame part, an inner middle frame segment 70, for example, canserve two adjoined solar hybrid collectors as shown in the cross sectionof FIG. 15. The cross section of FIG. 15a shows that the inner middleframe segment 70 can have two adjacent grooves 72 and two adjacentspacing ledges 74. Two inner middle frame segments 70 that form mirrorimages can be used together to support, on opposite sides, two adjacentglazing panels, two adjacent PV arrays, and two adjacent insulatingpanels as shown in FIG. 15. This example of an alternate frame portioncan save space between adjoining solar hybrid collectors when suchcollectors are installed in multiple arrays. Further, the inner middlesegment may have punch out ports between two adjacent gas chambers ofthe two adjoined solar hybrid collectors.

Pre-assembled PV panels are commonly available in a variety of sizes andcapacities in home improvement stores and/or online suppliers. In oneexample in accordance with the teachings of the present invention, suchreadily available PV panels may be utilized to generate electricalenergy. By themselves, these panels do not collect thermal energy and,typically, lose electrical efficiency at operating temperatures aboveabout 30° C. Such temperature levels are easily reached and exceeded inboth warm and cooler climates for up to 9 or more months of the year. Inaddition, increased operating temperatures are liable to degrade PVpanel performance over time and shorten PV panel life expectancy.Embodiments in accordance with the present teachings may resolve theseoperating issues of PV stand-alone panels by acting as a cooling systemthat re-directs and collects the thermal energy from both sides of thepanel. This may improve the electrical component and add a significantthermal component to the overall efficiency of the collector.

In one example according to the teachings of the present invention,pre-assembled PV panels may be fitted into an enclosure optimized forheat extraction, packaging, and/or transportation, thereby capitalizingon the growing availability of pre-assembled PV-only panels that areavailable from retail home improvement stores and other suppliers in avariety of sizes. Solar collector assemblies in accordance with thepresent teachings may be economical to manufacture in a variety of sizesand may be assembled in arrays (e.g., systems containing a plurality ofPV panels) to increase output. Solar collector assemblies, eitherindividually or in arrays, may be easily installed by untrained ordo-it-yourself (DIY) personnel.

The enclosing frame 4 may be made from all manner of functionallysuitable and/or economically desirable materials, including but notlimited to extruded plastic or aluminum, milled wood, formed compositewood product, and the like, and combinations thereof. In one example inaccordance with the teachings of the present invention, the framematerial is capable of functioning over a relatively wide range oftemperatures and, in some examples, up to and above about 85° C.Representative polymers for use in accordance with the present teachingsinclude but are not limited to polymethylpentene (PMP), with its highheat capacity, polypropylene (PP), polycarbonate (PC), and/or the like,and combinations thereof. The enclosing frames may also have insulatingproperties. The frame parts may be formed of materials with insulatingproperties, have coatings with insulating properties, and/or be made toprovide insulating properties by other mechanisms in order to reducethermal losses.

In order for the enclosing frame 4 to form the gas or airtight chamber26 with the bottom-insulating panel 18, and the gas or airtight chamber24 with the top glazing 10, the enclosing upper frame part 6 and lowerframe part 8 should “seal,” respectively, with the top glazing 10 andthe bottom-insulating panel 18. Making these seals as gas or airtight aspossible may help to avoid infiltration and possible condensationbuild-up. Thus, in some examples, sealing agents including but notlimited to neoprene gaskets, silicone gaskets, and the like, andcombinations thereof, may be used to seal the glazing panels 10 and/orinsulating panels 18 to form gas-tight bottom gas chambers 26 and topgas chambers 24.

The enclosing frames may be manufactured in stock sizes, or cut andassembled in the field to fit a variety of increasingly standard-sizedpre-assembled PV panels. For example, panels configured to generate235-250 electrical watts are about 65 inches×40 inches×2 inches, panelsconfigured to generate 130 watts are about 59 inches×26 inches×2 inches,and panels configured to generate 100 watts are about 48 inches×22inches×2 inches.

As shown in FIGS. 11, 12, 13, and 13 a, simple metal straps, L-brackets58, or the like may be used to install the solar hybrid collector 2and/or the solar hybrid arrays 62 on rooftops or other installationlocations. Other methods of installation or attachment may also be used.

The foregoing detailed description and the accompanying drawings havebeen provided by way of explanation and illustration, and are notintended to limit the scope of the appended claims. Many variations inthe presently described embodiments illustrated herein will be apparentto one of ordinary skill in the art, and remain within the scope of theappended claims and their equivalents.

It is to be understood that the elements and features recited in theappended claims may be combined in different ways to produce new claimsthat likewise fall within the scope of the present invention. Thus,whereas the dependent claims appended below depend from only a singleindependent or dependent claim, it is to be understood that thesedependent claims can, alternatively, be made to depend in thealternative from any preceding claim—whether independent ordependent—and that such new combinations are to be understood as forminga part of the present specification.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A solar collector system comprising: aplurality of interconnected solar collector assemblies; and an inverterelectronically coupled with the plurality of interconnected solarcollector assemblies and configured to receive electrical energytherefrom; wherein a first solar collector assembly of the plurality ofinterconnected solar collector assemblies comprises: a photovoltaicpanel having a front side and a back side; a first gas-filled chamberprovided on and defined by the front side of the photovoltaic panel; asecond gas-filled chamber provided on and defined by the back side ofthe photovoltaic panel; a frame comprising four sidewalls, the foursidewalls enclosing the photovoltaic panel, the first gas-filledchamber, and the second gas-filled chamber each along a peripherythereof; wherein the first gas-filled chamber and the second gas-filledchamber each contain only gas; at least one gas conduit comprising aninlet and an outlet, the inlet directly connected to the firstgas-filled chamber, the second gas-filled chamber, and a combination ofat least one fan and a destination selected from the group consisting ofa heat exchanger, a controller, a heat storage device, an interiorspace, a low temperature electrical generation device, and combinationsthereof, and the outlet directly connected to the first gas-filledchamber, the second gas-filled chamber, and the combination of the atleast one fan and the destination; wherein the gas of the firstgas-filled chamber and the second gas-filled chamber is configured tofunction as a heat exchange fluid and to accumulate and collect heatfrom solar energy and heat generated by the photovoltaic panel; andwherein the photovoltaic panel converts solar energy to electricalenergy.
 2. The solar collector system of claim 1 wherein the first solarcollector assembly of the plurality of interconnected solar collectorassemblies further comprises: a first sealing element coupled with theframe, wherein the first gas-filled chamber is further defined by thefirst sealing element spaced from the front side of the photovoltaicpanel; and a second sealing element coupled with the frame, wherein thesecond gas-filled chamber is further defined by the second sealingelement spaced from the back side of the photovoltaic panel.
 3. Thesolar collector system of claim 1 wherein the plurality ofinterconnected solar collector assemblies are connected to one anothervia gas conduits.
 4. The solar collector system of claim 2, wherein thefirst sealing element comprises a transparent panel, and the secondsealing element comprises an insulating panel.
 5. The solar collectorsystem of claim 4, wherein the transparent panel is positioned on andspaced apart from the front side of the photovoltaic panel, and theinsulating panel is positioned on and spaced apart from the back side ofthe photovoltaic panel.
 6. The solar collector system of claim 1,wherein the frame comprises an upper frame part and a lower frame part,and wherein the upper frame part comprises a portion of the frame thatdefines the first gas-filled chamber along the periphery thereof, andwherein the lower frame part comprises a portion of the frame thatdefines the second gas-filled chamber along the periphery thereof. 7.The solar collector system of claim 1, wherein the photovoltaic panel issealed between the first gas-filled chamber and the second gas-filledchamber.
 8. The solar collector system of claim 1, wherein: the inletcomprises an ambient temperature gas conduit configured for carrying anambient temperature gas into the first gas-filled chamber and the secondgas-filled chamber; and the outlet comprises a heated gas conduitconfigured for carrying a heated gas out of the respective gas-filledchamber in which the heated gas was generated; and wherein the carryingof the ambient temperature gas and the heated gas is facilitated by theat least one fan.
 9. The solar collector system of claim 1, wherein thefirst gas-filled chamber and the second gas-filled chamber are separatedby and defined by the front side and the back side of the photovoltaicpanel, respectively.
 10. A method of generating electrical energy andheat from solar energy comprising: exposing a solar collector assemblyto solar energy, wherein the solar collector assembly comprises: aphotovoltaic panel having a front side and a back side; a firstgas-filled chamber provided on and defined by the first front side ofthe photovoltaic panel; a second gas-filled chamber provided on anddefined by the back side of the photovoltaic panel; a frame comprisingfour sidewalls, the four sidewalls enclosing the photovoltaic panel, thefirst gas-filled chamber, and the second gas-filled chamber each along aperiphery thereof; wherein the first gas-filled chamber and the secondgas-filled chamber each contain only gas; at least one gas conduitcomprising an inlet and an outlet, the inlet directly connected to thefirst gas-filled chamber, the second gas-filled chamber, and acombination of at least one fan and a destination selected from thegroup consisting of a heat exchanger, a controller, a heat storagedevice, an interior space, a low temperature electrical generationdevice, and combinations thereof, and the outlet directly connected tothe first gas-filled chamber, the second gas-filled chamber, and thecombination of the at least one fan and the destination; wherein the gasof the first gas-filled chamber and the second gas-filled chamber is aheat exchange fluid and accumulates and collects heat from solar energyand heat generated by the photovoltaic panel; and wherein thephotovoltaic panel converts solar energy to electrical energy.
 11. Themethod of claim 10, wherein the solar collector assembly furthercomprises: a first sealing element coupled with the frame, wherein thefirst gas-filled chamber is further defined by the first sealing elementspaced from the front side of the photovoltaic panel; and a secondsealing element coupled with the frame, wherein the second gas-filledchamber is further defined by the second sealing element spaced from theback side of the photovoltaic panel.
 12. The method of claim 10 whereinthe method further comprises: providing electrical energy generated bythe photovoltaic panel to at least one of an inverter and a battery; andconveying heat generated in the first gas-filled chamber and in thesecond gas-filled chamber to the destination.
 13. The method of claim11, wherein the first sealing element comprises a transparent panel, andthe second sealing element comprises an insulating panel.
 14. The methodof claim 13, wherein the transparent panel is positioned on and spacedapart from the front side of the photovoltaic panel, and the insulatingpanel is positioned on and spaced apart from the back side of thephotovoltaic panel.
 15. The method of claim 10, wherein the framecomprises an upper frame part and a lower frame part, and wherein theupper frame part comprises a portion of the frame that defines the firstgas-filled chamber along the periphery thereof, and wherein the lowerframe part comprises a portion of the frame that defines the secondgas-filled chamber along the periphery thereof.
 16. The method of claim10, wherein the photovoltaic panel is sealed between the firstgas-filled chamber and the second gas-filled chamber.
 17. The method ofclaim 10, further comprising: the inlet comprising at least one ambienttemperature gas conduit carrying an ambient temperature gas into thefirst gas-filled chamber and the second gas-filled chamber; and at leastone heated gas conduit carrying a heated gas out of the respectivegas-filled chamber in which the heated gas was generated; and whereinthe carrying of the ambient temperature gas and the heated gas isfacilitated by the at least one fan.